Just recently, Raleigh wrapped up some much-needed traffic upgrades at the notoriously tricky Glenwood Avenue and Hollyridge Drive intersection. And let me tell you, it’s not just about smoother drives; it’s a giant leap for pedestrian safety – a win for anyone who’s ever risked their neck trying to cross the street there.

So, what’s got me all geared up? Well, they’ve thrown in protected left turn signals on Glenwood Avenue. For the uninitiated, that means drivers get a big green arrow telling them it’s safe to turn left without playing chicken with oncoming traffic. Seems logical, right? But, the impact is huge – it’s a proven way to slash the chances of crashes, something this spot was infamous for. Over the past five years, left turn mishaps made up over half the crashes here, with too many ending in injuries.

Pedestrians aren’t left out of this upgrade fiesta. We’re seeing new crosswalks and signals aimed at those on foot, making it less of a dash-for-your-life situation and more of a stroll to nearby bus stops, shops, or a bite to eat. The tragic truth that a pedestrian lost their life here in 2022 brings home just how crucial these changes are. This stuff saves lives.

Accessibility? Check. Wheelchair-accessible curb ramps are part of the package, proving inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword but an action item.

Here’s the kicker – this all didn’t just fall into Raleigh’s lap. It was a collaborative effort with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and funded through a specific Spot Safety program aimed at – you guessed it – spots like these, needing an extra safety push.

Sometimes city planning might seem as thrilling as watching paint dry, but when the paint’s a crosswalk? Well, that’s a whole different story. Does this mean Raleigh is turning into a safe mobility paradise overnight? Not exactly. But it’s a testament to what happens when a city puts rubber to the road, not just in maintaining traffic flow, but in enhancing public safety and accessibility. It’s about creating streets you’d actually want to walk down – or dash across to grab coffee without fearing for life and limb.

Is this the end-all solution to all traffic woes? Of course not. But it’s a solid step in the right direction, reinforcing that our streets shouldn’t just be car corridors, but safe, accessible paths for everyone. Hats off to Raleigh and here’s hoping other cities take note. Because when it comes to road safety, every signal, crosswalk, and pedestrian signal enhances tile toward taming the asphalt jungle out there.